The IBVTA Welcomes The Government Consultation
The Independent British Vape Trade Association has welcomed the Government’s new consultation on the future of industry
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by Dave Cross
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“The government consultation comes off the back of the Prime Minister’s announcement at the Conservative Party Conference earlier this month, that smoking is to be phased out as the UK moves towards its ambition to be smoke free by 2030,” says the IBVTA.
“A recent survey of 6,000 UK adults commissioned by an IBVTA member highlighted the role that vaping plays in smoking cessation. The research discovered that 46% of regular smokers and 37% of ex-smokers have tried or used a vaping device to help them quit smoking. Furthermore, 72% of ex-smokers (who quit in past 5 years) and 56% of regular smokers believe single use vapes are helpful in assisting individuals to reduce their smoking levels.
“The government consultation will run for eight weeks as policy makers seek insights into how to tackle youth vaping and the trade in illicit vapes. The IBVTA recently launched a campaign aimed at raising awareness of these issues and demonstrating the ways in which industry can support government in cracking down on illegal products, underage sales and littering.”
Responding to the launch of the consultation, Marcus Saxton, Chair of the IBVTA said: “The IBVTA supports the Prime Minister’s vision of a smoke-free generation, something that commands cross-party support and could save the lives of millions. Vaping is crucial to delivering this. There’s no doubt the industry has faced challenges recently, as illicit products have flooded the market and irresponsible retailers have turned a blind eye to underage sales.
“We stand ready to work with the government on these issues and welcome the opening of this consultation which gives industry, as well as consumers and others, the chance to have their say. Getting the policy right here is key to building a safe and sustainable industry that can continue to support smoking cessation across the UK. IBVTA members work daily with law enforcement to stop underage sales, and with public health teams in local authorities and NHS Trusts to deliver vaping as a tool for smoking cessation. We will carefully consider our response to this consultation, with a focus on ensuring policy outcomes strike the right balance.
“The risk is that policy goes too far and takes away a vital smoking cessation product when simply enforcing existing rules might be just as impactful.
“As an industry, we recognise that youth vaping needs to be tackled and we stand-ready to work with Government and towards this and have previously suggested heavier fines and more regular imposing of those fines for those who flout the rules. We have also long called for greater investment in enforcement at border importation points.”
References:
- The Independent British Vape Trade Association – https://www.ibvta.org.uk/
Dave Cross
Journalist at POTVDave is a freelance writer; with articles on music, motorbikes, football, pop-science, vaping and tobacco harm reduction in Sounds, Melody Maker, UBG, AWoL, Bike, When Saturday Comes, Vape News Magazine, and syndicated across the Johnston Press group. He was published in an anthology of “Greatest Football Writing”, but still believes this was a mistake. Dave contributes sketches to comedy shows and used to co-host a radio sketch show. He’s worked with numerous start-ups to develop content for their websites.
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